ST. PETERSBURG, FLA., SEPT. 23, 2015 — The Warehouse Arts District Association has announced the appointment of Mary Jane Park as executive director.

A longtime writer and editor for the Tampa Bay Times, Park has extensive ties to the St. Petersburg and greater Tampa Bay area communities. Most recently, she has been editor of Bay, the Times’ luxury lifestyle magazine and has reported about nonprofit and charitable organizations.

“We are very excited to have Mary Jane on board,” president Mark Aeling said. “Her extensive knowledge of the arts community and commitment to Saint Petersburg as well as her impeccable reputation make her a huge asset for the future of the Warehouse Arts District Association and the arts community as a whole.”

The Warehouse Arts District Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that promotes artists in the district and is involved in the master plan and other efforts for the city’s various arts areas.

“I am delighted to join the Warehouse Arts District Association and to help spread the word about its cultural and economic importance to St. Petersburg,” Park said.

The Warehouse Arts District boundaries are between First Avenue N and 10th Avenue S and 16th and 31st Streets. The area is home to many artists, including MGA Sculpture Studio, Duncan McClellan Gallery, Soft Water Studio, the Morean Center for Clay and the Dazzio Art Experience.

In 2014, the association held a fundraising campaign that resulted in its purchase of the Arts Xchange, warehouse space that is being converted to affordable studio spaces.

The artist members of Warehouse Arts District Association maintain their own exhibitions and shows, using the association’s website and social media to promote their activities. Members volunteer at numerous public events to promote the association and encourage the public to become more involved in the art community.

Association volunteers staff the Second Saturday Art Walk trolley and have been instrumental in extending the boundaries it serves.